art of flowers...a blog by The Bonny Doon Garden Company

I'm Green!

 It's official! I'm Green Gardener Cerified!

So what does this mean? And WHY did I do this?

What it means is that basically I can now coach, cunsult, instruct and teach my customers about green-gardening with a legitimacy that I never had before.  More than just common know-how, and many books, and self-taught experiments, now I'm certain all I knew and recently learned will continue to guide and instill good sound green-gardening advice to all I can, all the time.  It's good for me, its good for them, and it's good for our world.  It's no longer a choice- this type of gardening, but a necessity.

Why did I do this? I wanted to add value to my knowledge.  Sort of like a stamp of approval, some 'weight' to my coaching & advice. Most of all I can apply these techniques to what I do every day in the gardens of my clients, and in doing so make a difference in the world, in the way they garden themselves.  To make them feel good about how they grow their own vegetables, flowers, and plants.  

I'm happy to have done this, and now I may take it a step further, and go for the 'advanced' certification. Sounds fun! 

More on this program here-Monterey Bay Green Gardener Program

Sissinghurst

Well- yes, it has been a while! I've been in England and Turkey for the past month with my family, and -WOW! - has it been incredible!

I have to say...the highlight of all my travels though, was the 6 hours I spent at Sissinghurst Castle and Gardens and I wanted to share some images with you. 

Here's the blackboard that was out in the tower upon entrance into the walled garden.  It's just so cool to read here what's happening in the garden- check it out- they've got a head-gardender, an assistant gardener, 5 full-time, 1 partime and a careership gardender (intern).  The grounds were impeccable, and there were so many innovative ideas that I'll share with you too- later.

What is it about English gardens that I'm am just completely crazy about? I just wanted to lay down here in front of this wall and never leave.  EVER.  Can I duplicate this? YES! Somehow I feel an overwhelming urge to create my own little Sissinghurst here in Bonny Doon.  This is actually what I've been working on for years, but with a more sustainable approach.  Obviously we're not blessed in Bonny Doon with those little summer showers quenching the thirst of those lovely English border flowers.  So, my answer to that is 1. mulch, mulch, mulch. 2. plant somewhat English border flowers, but with perhaps a little more drought tolerance. 3. and finally, there is definatley a need in my garden for WALLS. Both brick, rock, and hedges made of yew, box, and arborvitae.  Once I get them established, we'll be fine most of the year without regular watering.   

Of course the beauty of the English garden is displayed at the picture at the left.  It's the formality of the hedges, mixed with somewhat informal mix of plantings enclosed.  LOVE IT.